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(Ford)

Admit it. You'd rather make a delivery in the Euro-chic Transit Connect over that paltry Econoline.

Ford has sold more than 600,000 Transit Connects across Europe, where skinny high-top vans work wonders on the continent's narrow city streets. Thanks to the Dodge/Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Americans are somewhat used to this style, but breaking the mold of the US commercial market is like trying to convince R.V. owners to buy minivans. It'll be tough at first, but Ford has finally recognized that its smaller, sleeker, and more fuel-efficient overseas models are an easy way to start making money again. (The Euro-spec Focus and Fiesta subcompact are coming in 2010.)

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The European Fords are fantastic vehicles. This is a smart move by Ford; they should expand this and give us the Mondeo and the Focus (the Focus we have in the US is an older generation that is completely inferior to the Euro one)

Posted by alex GeorgesFebruary 10, 09 10:55 AM

With all that headroom Tommy Menino will fit just fine.

Posted by BuhdayduhFebruary 10, 09 03:18 PM

This vehicle looks like it will be a very user-friendly vehicle. Utility of those other vans but with a svelt style that can be nothing but good for fuel and navigating these crazy streets. I would like to see a couple of taxi models around the city just to add some contrast from all these damn Camrys.

Personally I'd preffer the Chevy HHR Panel for better styling but the height on the Transit is the clear winner for function.

Posted by AndyFebruary 10, 09 04:12 PM

We need the larger european version of this van also.

An exact replacement for the econoline would be the next step and we need it ASAP.
The econoline is too large for some applications.
The transit is too small.
Some of us who are in the service business need a better van.

Posted by Lance GyldenegeFebruary 24, 09 01:16 PM

Why can't Ford provide this with a decent small diesel engine, optional lightweight towing package and a higher or stepped roof line for 6' of interrior height for conversion to a light weight camper package as a entry model. It would be competative with the old VW camper bus and slightly more flexible.

Posted by QAugust 17, 09 07:59 PM

Looks like the transit van will make a good replacement for the expensive modified wheel chair equipped vans. At the current price I see it as a winner. Head room is critical for a wheel chair bound person, this van has got it.

Posted by Tom OwenSeptember 12, 09 12:36 AM

Just saw this vehicle at the 2009 Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. This is a great little vehicle for bicycling events, and would be a super chase vehicle to carry our gear and information materials for the August 2010 Tour de USA for prostate cancer awareness. It also would be a great rolling billboard for the event.

Posted by Robert HessSeptember 25, 09 10:22 AM

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Bill Griffith is a veteran Boston Globe reporter, having reviewed cars for more than 10 years and serving as assistant sports editor for 25 years. He was also the paper's sports media columnist.In the garage: 2006 Subaru Baja

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